Roma Escape From Detention Centre

A number of Roma are still on the run after the serious fire and break-out at Yarl's Wood detention centre for asylum-seekers near Bedford.
 
The fire and alleged riot at Yarl's Wood, following the handcuffing of an elderly woman, occurred on the night of 14-15
February. It was preceded by a hunger-strike involving 130 detainees.
 
One week later, nine detainess, including one Rom from Romania and another from Moldova, escaped from  Harmondsworth detention centre near Heathrow Airport, London,
 
The two climbed from a second-floor window and scaled the seven-metre fence.
 
At the time of reporting, a total of 34 detainess from Yarl's Wood and Harmonnsworth are still free.
 
Members of the Trans-European Roma Federation have demonstrated at the gates of Yarl's Wood calling for the centre to be closed. Many Roma continue to be held there.
 
On Roma Nation Day, 8 April, further demonstrations will be held outside the residence of Prime Minister Blair and at the Home Office demanding an end to detention and "fast-track" deportations.
 

Recent Updates

Login With Facebook